Results: 219 news stories

Academic collaboration between The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and Ain Al Khaleej Hospital

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) has entered into a significant academic collaboration with Ain Al Khaleej Hospital and the University for Health Sciences in Al Ain City. This collaboration underscores UT Health San Antonio’s commitment to advancing health care education globally and strengthening academic ties with international institutions.


Celebrating Dr. Adriana Segura’s retirement and legacy

The School of Dentistry at UT Health San Antonio is proud to honor Adriana Segura, DDS, MS, on her retirement on March 1, 2025, from her role as senior associate dean for academic, faculty and student affairs. Dr. Segura has been an integral part of the institution for over 25 years, shaping the future of dentistry through her dedication to students, faculty, patients and academic excellence. 


Pediatric resident earns recognition for pediatric and special care dentistry research

The School of Dentistry is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Nida-e-Haque Mahmud, DDS, BDS, MS, a resident in the pediatric residency program, who recently secured first place in the dental student and resident poster competition at the National Special Care Dentistry Association’s (SCDA) 2025 SCDA Con.


School of Dentistry students experience immersive exchange program in Japan

From March 1 to March 8, a group of dental students and faculty from UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry embarked on an enriching exchange program in Japan.


43rd Annual School of Dentistry Research and Clinical Symposium

The School of Dentistry celebrated its 43rd Annual Research and Clinical Symposium this March in the Holly Auditorium and Foyer at UT Health San Antonio. This year’s symposium welcomed a full auditorium as pre-doctoral, doctoral and post-doctoral students, residents, faculty and dental students presented a total of 45 oral and poster research projects.


Graduate student receives 2025 Outstanding PhD Student Research Award

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Awards Committee has named Jaclyn Merlo, MS, a standout researcher in the field of pain therapeutics, as the 2025 Outstanding PhD Student Research Awardee. 


School of Dentistry student elected to national leadership position with the American Student Dental Association

The School of Dentistry is pleased to share that Megan Kalpin, a third-year dental student, was elected to serve as the 2025–2026 District 10 Trustee for the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) during their Annual Session meeting.

As a member of the ASDA Board of Trustees, Kalpin will play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of the association, advocating for dental students and ensuring the continued success of ASDA’s initiatives.


Faculty advancements in the School of Dentistry Office of the Dean

The School of Dentistry is proud to announce the advancements of three esteemed faculty members, each taking on new leadership roles within the Office of the Dean, made effective March 1. These appointments reflect the school’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, student success and faculty development.


Troendle recognized with the Stephen H. Leeper Award for teaching excellence

Karen B. Troendle, DDS, MPH, distinguished teaching professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry, has been awarded the Stephen H. Leeper Award for Teaching Excellence by Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU).


UT Dentistry celebrates the Readers' Choice Award for Best Dental Practice in San Antonio for a third consecutive year

UT Dentistrythe clinical practice of the School of Dentistry at UT Health San Antonio, has been recognized as the Best Dental Practice in San Antonio for the third consecutive year in the San Antonio Express-News Readers' Choice Awards.


Breaking bad habits that damage your smile

Maintaining good oral health is essential to overall well-being, but some habits can put teeth and gums at risk. For example, nail-biting, teeth grinding and improper brushing techniques may seem harmless, but they can lead to cavities, gum disease and even damaged teeth or tooth loss over time. 


Why should I take my child to the dentist?



Good oral health is about more than just having a beautiful smile. It is about preventing cavities, maintaining a healthy mouth and safeguarding overall well-being from childhood onward. Dental caries (cavities) is the number one chronic infectious disease in children, affecting them four times more frequently than asthma. 


Sovna Shivani Mishra, BDS, MDS: An expert in orofacial pain joins UT Dentistry’s Oral Medicine Clinic

We are pleased to welcome Sovna Shivani Mishra, BDS, MDS, to the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry faculty. As a clinical assistant professor specializing in orofacial pain and dental sleep medicine, Mishra brings nearly a decade of experience in patient care, teaching, and research. Her expertise strengthens the academic training provided to students and enhances the services offered at UT Dentistry.


Domestic Access to Care Grant allows delivery of endodontic services for underserved San Antonio patients

For a second year, the department of endodontics at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry was awarded the Domestic Access to Care Grant from the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) Foundation.


Alumnus spotlight Jesus Trevino, DDS: Journey from pediatric patient to practitioner

Jesus Trevino, DDS, is a distinguished alumnus of the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry’s class of 1999. Through his commitment to community care, he has made significant contributions to pediatric dental care within the Rio Grande Valley. With over two decades of dedicated service, Trevino's journey from a young patient inspired by his local dentist to a respected practice owner is a testament to his commitment to both his craft and his community.


School of Dentistry awardee of 2025 Presidential Excellence Award

UT Health San Antonio’s vice president for academic, faculty and student affairs, Jacqueline Mok, PhD, and Danielle McDavid, PHR, strategic human resources partner in the Office of Human Resources, were selected as this year’s selection committee for the 2025 Presidential Excellence Award winners. This February, they announced this year’s winners.


From Alumna to Educator: Bonnie's Journey in Dental Hygiene

Bonnie Werner's path to dental hygiene wasn’t a conventional one. A proud graduate of the Dental Hygiene Program, Class of 2004, her career began in the United States Air Force, where she served from 1983 to 1987. 


From classmates to soulmates: School of Dentistry alumni share their love stories

The Howells

Drs. Maria and Mark Howell, School of Dentistry Class of 1983, met their first year in dental school in 1979. The class seating chart in that era was both obligatory and alphabetical, which placed Maria right behind Mark!

They started dating in October 1980 and talked about marriage the night before their dental school graduation. They were married on November 5, 1983.       


School of Dentistry dean elected chair of Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations

Peter M. Loomer, BSc, DDS, PhD, MBA, FACD, FICD, dean and professor at the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry, has been elected as chair of the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). 

“I had been encouraged by a colleague to volunteer, and since joining the committee, it has continued to present me with opportunities to work with several colleagues from all sorts of scientific and educational backgrounds.”


UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry ranked 30th worldwide, No. 1 in Texas

The UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry is now ranked 30th worldwide, No. 1 in Texas, in the category of dentistry and oral sciences, according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities, also known as the ShanghaiRanking.